European Yacht Of The Year 2026: The Dragonfly 36 wins in the fast lane as a performance yacht multihull

The ideal cruising boat is a fiction. On the one hand, every owner sets their own individual priorities. For another, some characteristics are mutually exclusive: For example, maximum comfort and the best possible sailing characteristics do not come as a package. Until now, at least, this was considered a law of nature. The Dragonfly 36, however, seriously questions such certainties. It solves the either-or problem so thoroughly that it is probably the best both-and yacht. For not even that much more money than a Hallberg-Rassy 370 costs, it offers a four-person crew similar cruising capability, but more than twice the performance.

With the Tri, it is not only possible to reach a distance of 350 nautical miles in the trade wind, but it is also an absolute pleasure. Upwind, it handles like a monohull. And this potential is possible without sacrificing anything: with fine fittings, high-quality fittings, good ventilation, very decent berth dimensions and extras such as a cake stand, cockpit table or heated helmsman's seats (!) on request. Thanks to the centreboard, it can also anchor where otherwise only dinghy cruisers can. In a league of high-flyers, the Dragonfly 36 raises the bar to an almost immeasurable level.

• Read the detailed test of the Dragonfly 36 here.

What the jury says

"A boat that will make any wool-knitted monohull sailor rethink their convictions," says Pasi Nuutinen from the Finnish Totalvene.fi. "No other boatyard combines performance with comfort so harmoniously," says Lori Schüpbach from Marina.ch.

Strengths

Outstanding sailing characteristics

Successful cockpit layout

Fully marina-compatible with floats folded down

Reduced but fine expansion

Fully roadworthy

Catch-up centreboard, shallow draught

Weaknesses

High base price, expensive options

Technical data of the Dragonfly 36

• Torso length: 11,55 m
• Width/folded: 8,12/3,70 m
• Draught max./min: 2,00/0,67 m
• Weight: 4,5 t
• sail area: 93,5 m²
• Base price ex shipyard: 659.260

Status 2025, how the prices shown are defined, read here!

Also nominated in the "Performance Yacht" category

First 30

Compact, light, smooth and affordable - these are the characteristics that have made the Beneteau Group's latest performance cruiser an instant success. A minimalist but cosy interior makes the First 30 an interesting option for brisk cruising - and one of the best-selling monohull yachts in the world at the moment. The most universal of three magnificent monohulls in this category, she is easy to planing and also the cheapest yacht of all the nominees. Hull length 9.35 m; beam 2.95 m; draught 1.98 m; weight 3.2 tonnes; sail area 54.7 m²; price 124,950 euros.

JPK 1050

Jean-Pierre Kelbert describes the 1050, with which he won the Rolex Fastnet Race at his first attempt, as a "Mini-Class 40". That sums up its character well. To achieve this, he left the previous shipyard line, which favoured more moderate lines. This was good for its performance. Also a winner, with probably the most modern hull lines. As a racer, however, it was sparsely equipped and very expensive when ready to sail. Great potential for handicap. Length 10.43 m; width 3.54 m; draught 2.22 m; weight 3.5 t; sail area 73.0 m²; price 267,550 euros.

XR 41

ORC world champion yacht. Very high performance on all courses, which requires a knowledgeable crew. Now also available in an IRC version. The very cosy, partly modular design also guarantees dual use as a fast cruising boat and thus long-term value retention. Length 12.20 m; width 4.18 m; draught 2.40 m; weight 7.2 t; sail area 108.4 m²; price 570,720 euros.

• Test XR 41: Cruising racer set to become the new star of the ORC class